Officials are alarmed by the presence of PFAS in local farmland, which poses significant health risks and threatens agricultural practices.
Texas County Issues Emergency Declaration Amid Toxic Fertilizer Crisis
Texas County Issues Emergency Declaration Amid Toxic Fertilizer Crisis
Johnson County is grappling with contamination from "forever chemicals" linked to sewage sludge fertilizer, prompting a push for federal aid.
Johnson County, located just south of Fort Worth, Texas, is officially declaring a state of emergency due to the alarming discovery of contaminated farmland linked to the use of certain fertilizers. Recent investigations revealed dangerously high levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly termed “forever chemicals,” at two cattle ranching operations within the county.
The federal aid initiative comes in response to findings that the PFAS contamination stems from fertilizers created from treated sewage sludge sourced from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment facility. This alarming situation has drawn increased scrutiny on the safety and environmental effects of using this type of fertilizer, already highlighted in a New York Times investigation.
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals often found in nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and various household products. They are linked to serious health issues, including heightened cancer risk, birth defects, and developmental delays in children. The Texas county commissioners have unanimously endorsed a resolution urging Governor Greg Abbott to back the emergency declaration and to solicit federal support to combat this crisis.
Commissioner Larry Woolley emphasized the uniqueness of the situation, stating, "This is uncharted territory." The proposed federal funding is intended for a comprehensive response, including water testing and monitoring, cleanup efforts, and, potentially, the euthanization of livestock affected by the toxic runoff. As the situation develops, Johnson County officials remain focused on safeguarding public health and restoring the agricultural viability of the region.
The federal aid initiative comes in response to findings that the PFAS contamination stems from fertilizers created from treated sewage sludge sourced from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment facility. This alarming situation has drawn increased scrutiny on the safety and environmental effects of using this type of fertilizer, already highlighted in a New York Times investigation.
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals often found in nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and various household products. They are linked to serious health issues, including heightened cancer risk, birth defects, and developmental delays in children. The Texas county commissioners have unanimously endorsed a resolution urging Governor Greg Abbott to back the emergency declaration and to solicit federal support to combat this crisis.
Commissioner Larry Woolley emphasized the uniqueness of the situation, stating, "This is uncharted territory." The proposed federal funding is intended for a comprehensive response, including water testing and monitoring, cleanup efforts, and, potentially, the euthanization of livestock affected by the toxic runoff. As the situation develops, Johnson County officials remain focused on safeguarding public health and restoring the agricultural viability of the region.
